Pro bono Specialist

Lathrop GPM, one of the nation's leading law firms, has an immediate opening for a Pro bono Specialist in our Kansas City, MO location. The Pro bono Specialist provides administrative support to pro bono attorneys while also serving as a compassionate point of contact for clients. This hybrid role combines legal office work with social work-informed client advocacy, ensuring clients feel supported, informed, and respected throughout their legal journey. The ideal candidate will have excellent organizational skills, empathy, and the ability to communicate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Lathrop GPM is a full-service, Am Law 200 law firm with offices in Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Overland Park, St. Cloud, St. Louis, San Jose, Redwood Shores and Washington, D.C. Our clients are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package, and a professional, challenging, yet comfortable, hybrid working environment.

Legal Support

* Draft, proofread, and format legal documents such as pleadings, safety plans, correspondence, and discovery materials.

* Manage case files-both physical and electronic-ensuring accuracy, accessibility, and compliance with firm protocols.

* Schedule court dates, client meetings, and attorney calendars.

* Attend court-mandated Family Support Team (FST) meetings, which often occur concurrently with hearings, and accurately document outcomes for attorney use.

* Conduct basic legal research and compile supporting documents for cases.

* Track case deadlines and ensure timely follow-up on required actions.

* Support attorneys with trial preparation, including assembling exhibits, witness lists, and trial binders.

Client Advocacy & Communication

* Serve as a primary contact for clients, providing updates, explaining processes, and offering empathetic, trauma-informed communication.

* Clearly and accurately communicate the court's expectations, requirements, and deadlines to clients, ensuring understanding and compliance.

* Send reminders to clients about upcoming meetings, hearings, and court appearances, ensuring they are prepared and on time.

* Assist clients with ancillary case-related issues such as securing safe housing, obtaining substance abuse treatment, finding effective therapy, advocating for parenting time, and amending vital records.

* Assist clients in accessing community resources and support services when relevant to their case.

* Collaborate with social service providers, healthcare professionals, and community organizations to support client needs.

* Other duties as assigned.

* Bachelor's degree required; degree in social work, human services, or a related field strongly preferred.

* Social work background strongly preferred, with experience in case management or advocacy.

* At least three years of experience as a legal assistant, case manager, or in a social service role within a law firm, nonprofit, or advocacy organization is highly desirable.

* Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook).

* Strong written and verbal communication skills.

* Exceptional attention to detail, organization, and time management.

* Ability to handle confidential information with integrity.

* Demonstrated ability to work with clients from diverse backgrounds, including those experiencing crisis or trauma.

* Experience in active listening, conflict resolution, and culturally competent communication.

Work Environment:

* Office-based, with occasional off-site duties such as courthouse filings, FST meetings, or client outreach.

We celebrate and support diversity and the benefits it brings to our workplaces, clients and communities. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. It is the employment policy and practice of Lathrop GPM to recruit and hire employees without discrimination because of race, color, sex, gender, religion, age, national origin, military status, genetic information, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other status protected by applicable law.

Lathrop GPM LLP offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, and a professional, challenging, yet comfortable working environment. Lathrop GPM does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiting agencies. Any resume submitted to any employee of Lathrop GPM without prior approval from an HR Manager will be considered unsolicited and the property of Lathrop GPM.

EOE/M/F/D/V NO PHONE CALLS